Also, the dock at FW marina in this drawing is not at all like the existing dock. I'm curious if it is drawn according to how the dock looked in '82?
OK, Shan-man, I went and took a look at this on Google Earth.
And you are right on the money.
The "leaked" drawing uses the outline of how the dock looked prior to 1999.
The question, of course, is why?
My answer, for now, is: I don't know.
So we are all on the same page, here is screen shot of LL's overlay:
And, if the lines are messing you up, here is a screen shot from Google Earth- this image is from May 2, 2010:
The oldest image available on Google Earth of this area is from February 5, 1995:
This configuration of the dock shown on this 1995 photo matches up with the configuration on the "leaked" drawing.
The next available Google Earth image is from January 6, 1999. By that time, the dock was extended and the configuration looks like what it does today:
For good measure, here's an April 30, 2002 image, which is a little clearer than the 1999 image:
So what is up with this?
I am guessing that maybe they used old surveys for the parts of the project that aren't going to be affected by the new buildings.
So, does anyone remember there ever being a canon pointing toward the marina?
Here I am thinking that this was going to be something new, and that the River Country water wagon was coming back, but maybe they are on the drawing from an old survey?
But, I sure don't remember any canon at the Fort.
This is all very, very curious.
Do they let AKL resort guests use the Kidani Village pool? I don't believe it is key card accessed, now that I think about it, so I guess there is nothing keeping you from doing so.
I know at BLT and Kidani Village, as a villa guest you are encouraged to use the "main" facility for dining, shopping, etc. We used the main Contemporary pool when at BLT, although it may not be technically allowed though I believe that it is.
At AKL, guests of Jambo House (the hotel) are free to use the pool at Kidani (the DVC part), and vice versa.
But at the Contemporary, it is different. Bay Lake Tower (the DVC part) are welcome to use all of the Contemporary Resort's amenities, including the pool, but Contemporary Resort guests are not permitted to use any of the BLT amenities. The exclusive amenities were a big selling point for BLT.
Here is a large JPG composite. I set the original PDF to 200%, pieced together the individual screen snips as well as I could, erased the white background as well as I could and added the google map of the appropriate size in the background. I warn anyone who wants to download this that it is 3.6MB!
Large Composite Image
Lisa- Another fantastic job!
Thank you.
I have already spent a lot of time perusing this composite, and plan to spend some more.
It really is useful for understanding things in perspective.
In regards to the different dock design overlay at the Fort marina, I seem to remember the dock being shorter and having "wings" on each side. I have a vague memory of the little rental boats being on the left side within the "u" shaped portion. Can any of our 30+ yr old members confirm? Of course, I could be out of my mind...it has happened before.
Well, if your recollection matches the configuration shown above, and it sounds to me like it does, then I am happy to tell you that you are not out of your mind.
At least not this time.
Congratulations.
Hi, I'm another lurking DVC member.
I think a Boardwalk area that welcomed everybody would be fantastic. As for pools, it would be according to the size...if they give us a wonderful Storm-Along-Bay pool, then yeah...come on. If they put in a quiet pool...well...I guess the DVCers may go to your cool pool.
Here's my wildest dream...Diamond Horseshoe
Welcome DVC lurker!
I would love to hear more about your Diamond Horseshoe comment. Do you mean the show would be brought back here?
Interesting.
It appears that it would definitely fit.
But, what about the Hoop Dee Doo Review being right next door?
I think you hit the nail on the head with this. Ever since DVC took off (after building OKW), all the DVC properties have been tied to areas with existing infrastructure. The one that was proposed at Eagle Pines did not have that infrastructure in place, and they ended up canning it and building SSR on the old Disney Institute property instead. I dont think this was a mistake just because its close to Pioneer Hall, just the opposite, I think it lends credence. The final plans will likely change a bit, but I bet this is close to what actually happens. All the other DVC plans that have been leaked have ended up similar to the final product. I also bet Disney did not do this by accident. If they really wanted this completely under wraps, they wouldnt have accidentally included this second drawing, they knew someone would find it. They may be secretive, but they also want the buzz. Were being played.
I also don't see this being anything other than DVC. DVC has been very lucrative over the last 10 years while Disney has had difficultly keeping hotel occupancy high. Not to mention the timing is right for them to be planning the next DVC, as they seem to always want at least 1 or 2 resorts selling at any given time.
Hopefully this will be beneficial for both FW and DVC, I fear FW could get the short end of the stick. Obviously any new restaurants would be open to all WDW guests, but I'd bet any DVC pool would be restricted to DVC guests only. However, if they revamp RC as part of the resort development, which I wouldn't be surprised if they do because I think DVC would need a centerpiece pool/water play area for it to be successful in this area, I suspect it would be open to both DVC and FW guests since that would be a very large pool/water complex to maintain for only a relatively small number of DVC guests. For comparison, SAB services three large resorts in YC, BC, and BCV.
I don't have much to say in response to this, other than it is a very good post.
Your point about this maybe being an intentional leak by Disney is intriguing.
I can see them doing that.
If it was intentional, it would be a way for them to get free feedback from folks who obviously are interested.
So, just in case you are right:
Dear Disney Research Team- Please move all of this over to the West a bit. You are crowding in too close to Fort Wilderness, and I don't like it.
Also, if you are going to revive River Country, please make give Fort Wilderness guests the same access as the guests of this new resort.
Also, please give Fort Wilderness a quick serve/food court type restaurant. Maybe something like Roaring Forks at WL. And, please don't take away Trail's End- at least not the take out part.
I said please.
Thank you.
TCD